Claudia Martin is now eyeing her next major event after falling short of a podium finish at the state championships.
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Following a sixth place performance at the recent Gymnastics NSW Senior State Championships, the 17 year old artistic gymnast from Brightwaters will take a short but well-earned break before getting back into the swing of things for the upcoming Country Championships.
"I think nerves got to her a little," Claudia's long-time coach, Nance Foster, said of the teen's state championship performance.
"Her best was sixth in floor.
"Now she's looking forward to the country championships."
Claudia is a level eight gymnast that trains with Forster at Advance Academy of Gymnastics in Toronto.
Level eight means she competes at the elite level.
The teen competed against 26 women in the artistic events at the state championship, which included floor, vault, uneven bars and balance beam.
The state championship was held in Sydney on April 13-14.
Claudia earned a place at the state championship after coming first in floor at the state trials in March.
There, she earned an impressive 13.1 out of a possible score of 15 from the judges.
Claudia will be one of about 20 Advance academy gymnasts, spanning from level one to level eight, that will compete at the Country Championships being held at Hunter Sports Centre in Glendale in July.
The academy's new rhythmic team, consisting of eight level one to five athletes, will compete for the first time at the championship.
Rhythmic gymnastics includes events such as rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon.
When asked if she was looking forward to seeing the new rhythmic team in action for the first time, Foster said "very much so".
"They're all gearing up for Country Championships now," she said.
Prior to the championship the gymnasts will compete in a series of small club competitions in locations such as Manley and Port Macquarie.
Forster said the academy was currently seeking girls aged 5 to 7 for its development program.
"We're always looking for girls from the area with some gymnastics talent," she said.
Contact the academy on (02) 4959 9333 or visit the website: advanceacademyofgymnastics.com.au.